A Sheffield College trained chef is starring in BBC One’s Masterchefs: The Professionals.
Luke Rhodes is through to the quarter-finals this evening, November 26th, after a successful performance in last night’s heats.
Commenting on the heats, Luke said: “I’m very happy with my performance. The feedback really pushed my confidence up so, yes, I’m looking forward to the next round. Bring it on.”
The 26-year-old completed the Professional Chef’s Diploma at The Sheffield College and then moved to Australia and worked in a two-hat and three-gold plate restaurant.
Luke explained: “I wouldn’t be where I am now without my college lecturers, Len Unwin, Mick Burke and Neil Taylor. They taught me everything I needed to know to get me into the business.”
Len Unwin, Curriculum Team Leader and Chef Lecturer, The Sheffield College, said: “We are really proud of Luke and what he has achieved. Our students are keenly following Luke’s progress, inspired to follow in his footsteps."
He added: “We’ve established a strong track record within the catering and hospitality industry for training the next generation of chefs and this is testament to that.”
When he returned to Sheffield, Luke started his own restaurant called Karnivore. He is now Senior Sous Chef at the University of Sheffield’s Halifax Hall hotel. His interest in cooking began at the age of five when he baked with his grandma.
BBC One’s Masterchefs: The Professionals show is fronted by celebrity chefs Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace.
In last night’s episode, Luke’s completed a skills test with scallops. He went on to create a signature two-course menu comprising pan-roasted canon of lamb with a pea puree, crispy lamb sweetbreads, asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and morels, served with a lamb and red wine jus.
His dessert comprised pistachio cake with a sour cherry puree, compressed cherries, caramelised white chocolate, puffed rice, pistachio and cherry crumble and an aerated white chocolate mousse.
Luke added: “To get the opportunity to cook for them has been a dream come true and I will never forget this experience.”
Tune in to BBC One at 9pm tonight, to see how Luke gets on in the quarter-finals.
For more information about catering qualifications at The Sheffield College, please visit our courses page or call 0114 2602600.
